Chemistry – Organic chemistry - Alkenes | e-Consult
Organic chemistry - Alkenes (1 questions)
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Alkenes contain a double bond between two carbon atoms. This double bond is formed by the sharing of four electrons, two from each carbon atom, resulting in a strong covalent bond. The term 'unsaturated' refers to hydrocarbons that contain one or more double or triple bonds. Alkanes, which only contain single bonds, are 'saturated' with hydrogen. Therefore, alkenes are unsaturated because they contain a multiple bond, meaning they have fewer hydrogen atoms than a comparable alkane.
- Double bond: A bond with two shared pairs of electrons.
- Unsaturated: Containing one or more double or triple bonds.
- Saturated: Containing only single bonds and the maximum number of hydrogen atoms.